Turkey's Efforts In Combating Corruption

Corruption is a threat for good governance, erodes confidence in and respect for democratic institutions and emerges as an obstacle to the economic development.

Corruption must be addressed in a comprehensive and holistic manner. The problem cannot be considered as a purely domestic issue as it cuts across geographical boundaries and affects all nations. However, the developing countries suffer most from the adverse effects of corruption. Corrupt acts inflict most destructive effects on the poor since the resources needed for development and reconstruction are diverted by the looters.

We believe that the success in the fight against corruption will play a decisive role in further consolidating democracy, stability and peace. Countering this problem is an effort that the whole international community and developing countries in particular, have to face in their way to economic and social prosperity.

Aware of this fact, Turkey has always given priority to the fight against corruption. Turkey is strongly committed to the fight against corruption and has taken all legislative and operational measures in order to stamp out domestic corruption and to contribute to the international efforts to tackle the problem, as it has increasingly assumed a transnational character.

Turkey is active in various international organisations involved in the fight against corruption.

The UN Convention against Corruption is considered as a landmark in this field. Turkey took part in the preparation works of the Ad Hoc Committee in Vienna and is among the first countries signed the Convention on 10 December 2003. Turkey became party to the Convention as of 9 December 2006.

A delegation headed by Mr. Cemil Çiçek, Minister of Justice, participated in the First Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption held in Jordan, in December 2006.

Turkey also ratified the Council of Europe Civil and Criminal Law Conventions on Corruption and became a member of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), in 2004. Turkey also ratified the Council of Europe’s Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime (1990) on 30 July 2004.

Turkey is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and a party to the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions and of the OECD Working Group on Bribery.

Turkey attended the “Global Forum V on Fighting Corruption and Safeguarding Integrity” held in Johannesburg, from 2 to 5 April 2007, with a delegation headed by Mr. Cemil Çiçek, the Minister of Justice.

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